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Rakhi Israni focuses on affordability in CD-14
Rakhi Israni says housing, healthcare and childcare affordability are central to her campaign for California’s CD-14.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 25, May 2026
- 17:14 EDT
- 24
Rakhi Israni / Handout
Washington: Rakhi Israni, a congressional candidate from California’s 14th Congressional District, said lowering the cost of housing, healthcare, and childcare is central to her campaign platform as families across the district struggle with affordability.
The lawyer and educator said conversations with constituents across the community have reinforced the urgency of addressing rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
While the special election to replace former Congressman Eric Swalwell is scheduled for August 18, the Democratic primary is set for June 16. The primary for the permanent seat will be held on June 2.
Housing Affordability and First-Time Buyers
Israni said increasing housing construction and helping first-time homebuyers access ownership opportunities are among her top priorities.
“We need to build more houses. We need to assist people, especially first-time buyers, into getting homes. It’s the first step towards wealth creation for a family and for a generation,” she said.
Also Read: Rakhi Israni responds to donation criticism in CD-14
A resident of the East Bay area for more than two decades, Israni said cutting bureaucratic delays would help speed up housing construction and make homes more accessible to buyers.
She added that expanding lending opportunities, simplifying taxes for small businesses, and making community college and vocational training free for high-demand skills would strengthen both the local economy and long-term financial stability for families.
Healthcare Costs and Medicare
Israni said lowering healthcare costs and expanding access to affordable medication are essential parts of reducing financial pressure on working families.
Highlighting concerns over prescription drug prices, she said she intends to “fight” pharmaceutical companies that overcharge families.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between food and medicine,” she said.
If elected, Israni said she would support efforts to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices in order to reduce healthcare expenses for consumers.
She also noted that rising costs across sectors, including groceries and fuel, have added further strain on households. According to Israni, tariffs implemented in recent years have contributed to higher prices for everyday essentials.
Childcare, Child Tax Credit, and Family Support
Israni said affordable childcare is critical for helping parents remain in the workforce and achieve long-term financial security.
“No one should be unable to go to work because they don’t have a place, or someone to take care of their children,” she said.
The mother of four added that financial instability and rising costs can directly affect children’s well-being and opportunities.
If elected, Israni said she would support strengthening the Child Tax Credit to help families retain more of their income and better manage everyday expenses.
Drawing a connection between housing, healthcare, and childcare, Israni argued that reducing costs across all three areas would improve workforce participation and economic mobility.
“If we bring down the cost of all three aspects then people can contribute, be a part of the workforce, get the medicines they need, and actually be on the path towards wealth creation for their current families and the generations to come,” she said.
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